Dubai's new Dh10bn project

Jebel Ali project featuring 5 distinct theme parks based

By

Staff

PublishedTuesday, November 27, 2012

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday approved the development of a Dh10-billion destination that focuses on delivering a multi-faceted leisure and entertainment experience to residents and tourists of Dubai.

Master developers Meraas Holding has been mandated to develop this unique project that will be located at Jebel Ali and feature five distinct theme parks based on movies, animals and characters that shall appeal to all demographics.

Dubai Adventure Studios, the first phase of the development, plans for which were announced by Meraas in December 2011, will anchor the new destination.

Set to host popular Hollywood brands, the adventure studios will also showcase a range of adrenalin-challenging rides and attractions that will be accessible to people of all ages.

A theme park that leverages the immense global appeal of Indian cinema through a component named as Bollywood Parks will form another exciting dimension of this destination. Meraas has partnered with several major film studios in Mumbai for leveraging content, while a large theater within Bollywood Parks is expected to showcase Broadway style musicals to enrich Dubai’s annual entertainment calendar.

The water and marine life park, on its part, will additionally prove a definitive aspect of the development.

Vying with global developments of its kind, the park will showcase aquatic life, animal encounters and live shows, besides featuring cutting-edge rides and attractions.

Meanwhile, a first of its kind children’s theme park will cater to the need of toddlers, preschoolers and primary school children. The night safari will innovatively showcase the many adventures of the wild desert.

The theme parks will be connected by a vibrant district featuring retail and dining offerings that provide an exceptional lifestyle component to Dubai’s latest L&E destination.

The first component of the development of this destination is expected to be completed by 2014.

Abdulla Ahmed Mohammed Al Habbai, Chairman of Meraas Holding, said: “Meraas has been working with several industry experts to bring together a powerful mix of components that fulfill the need for a pure entertainment-based destination. The new initiative comes in response to Dubai’s status as a top global touristic destination which will contribute to the growth of the economy.

"With work on critical infrastructure including transport links gaining speed in the emirates, Dubai’s projections for the tourism sector are optimistic and well-founded. We expect the comprehensive offering to set a new benchmark within the leisure and entertainment industry and offer tourists one more reason to visit Dubai.”

Featuring first-of-its kind rides and attractions, as well as innovative food and beverage concepts, and themed hotels, the theme parks are set to complement Dubai’s existing leisure and entertainment components. The development is anticipated to further reinforce Dubai’s strong positioning in the sector through providing a stimulating source of entertainment to the resident and visiting population.

Meraas Holding is a Dubai-based real estate company with operations and assets in the UAE and overseas. It prioritizes the creation of integrated master-planned communities that embody global standards of sustainability and quality.